RESOURCES TO FUEL YOUR GROWTH

I’ve always tried to stay physically fit — eat well, work out, stay healthy.

But it wasn’t until I worked with a personal trainer that I discovered how far I could go. My trainer pushed me to strive — more reps, more commitment, more discipline.

He encouraged me and held me accountable. I was good without him. But I felt GREAT with him — physically and mentally.

The same thing happens in business when you have an accountability partner.

Some business leaders say they don’t want an accountability partner. They think they’re fine without one. They fear they’ll look incompetent if they need one. They worry they’ll look like a slacker.

The truth is: Those who work with accountability partners reach a higher level and…

Go beyond “getting the job done”.

Are you reaching your full potential, or are you just getting the job done…

Bill was struggling to meet his sales goals. He wasn’t making enough calls. He wasn’t following up. He wasn’t closing sales. He was distracted and discouraged…

…Until I helped him to set aside “Protected Time” on his calendar.

Now he’s exceeding his goals, and he’s enjoying his work more.

You’ve probably heard of “time blocking.” It makes sense to set aside blocks on your calendar for important tasks.

But people stumble with time-blocking.

Why? Because they “block” the time on their calendar, but they don’t PROTECT it.

With these small changes you can Protect your time and achieve more and meet your goals…

I asked a business owner recently how he gathers information from his employees.

His reply: “I stop by each person’s office.”

You’ve seen it. The check-in. The boss swings by, unannounced, pops their head in the office and says:

“How’s it going? What are you working on? Everything on track? OK. Good…”

Sometimes the boss may spring some unexpected assignment on you. Other times, they just encourage you to “carry on.”

Most managers — and their employees — can relate to this. The manager gathers information in snippets. A quick check-in here. A water-cooler conversation there

But let’s take a look at what really happens (and what doesn’t) when we take the “pop-in” approach…

Hi, My name is a Tucker, and, in case you didn’t notice, I’m a dog.

Here’s a story of how my boss, Cheryl, motivated me to run, and leap and stretch to catch plastic discs she tossed in the air.

Cheryl thinks business people can learn a lot from this story about how to inspire and motivate employees.

That may be so… But I want you to read on so you can see the cool videos of me doing my thing (I’m a show-off).

This is a story about human connections and how they can strengthen your business…

Humans have a deep desire to connect with other people, to find something in common with them.

When we connect with others, we listen to them differently. When people share ideas or make suggestions, we understand where they are coming from. We understand their point of view.

Connections lower barriers, build rapport, and establish trust.

Trust breeds teamwork. Teamwork leads to business success.

Here’s an example…

I was talking with a company owner last week who craves useful feedback from his employees, but never receives it.

This is a guy who exudes confidence. But even those who seem totally in command have doubts.

We all benefit from positive reinforcement or constructive conflict that comes from an engaged and empowered team.

But how can we make that happen?